The Imo State House of Assembly experienced a session like no other bizarre gunshot as they all scampered for their lives on Thursday. In the plenary, Speaker Paul Emeziem (APC-Onuimo) announced the suspension of six MPs for suspected unaccepted behaviour, stating that the decision was reached in the executive session.
“He said that some members have been conducting themselves in an unparliamentarily way and making fun of the house. We have thoroughly examined this issue at the executive session of the house and have resolved that peace and order must continue to reign.
“This action is in line with ensuring that the image of the house remains as it should be while providing a functional environment and the synergy which we are required to provide to ensure all arms of government work together,”
Speaker Paul Emeziem
The suspended members include Kennedy Ibeh (APC- Obowo), Philip Ejiiogu (PDP -Owerri North) and Uche Ogbuagu (APC- Ikeduru). Others are Dominic Ezerioha (APC- Oru west), Anyadike Nwosu (PDP- Ezinihitte Mbaise) and Onyemaechi Njoku (APC- Ihitte Uboma).
Mr Emeziem also announced the change in the office of the Chief Whip from Dr Arthur Egwim (APC- Ideato North) to Obinna Okwarra (APC- Nkwerre) and the disseverment of all standing committees.
The members that were suspended refused the suspension citing that it is illegal and undemocratic. They insisted on attending the plenary regardless. Thereafter, the plenary became noisy as one of the members Onyemaechi Njoku who was among those suspended tried to protest which ended in a fight.
Heavy gunshots were heard around the building in the midst of the protest and the speaker was taken away by the security details.
Onyemaechi Njoku told newsmen that he won’t quit coming for plenary as the suspension given to him was illegal and unlawful. In the same vein, Mr Egwim also narrated that the speaker did not follow due process in removing him as the head of the whip.
He also stated that there was no tangible reason for him to be removed and there were no petitions offered against him too to prove his misbehaviour.
Mr Ogbuagu also said there were no Executive sessions held as members have been anticipating the speaker. Mr Ogbuagu said he was surprised at the inappropriate behaviour because it was his first sitting since the house resumed. Ngozi Obiefule (APC- Isu) also said he made enquiries about the venue of the Executive sessions on the WhatsApp platform but he got no reply.